Limbe Wildlife Centre

Category: Cameroon, Chimpanzee | Date: May 30 2008 | By: limbewildlifecentre

Last Thursday at the end of the day I got a phone call from an American missionary who works in the forest of the eastern province. He visited the Limbe Wildlife Centre a few months ago with his family and at that time Sandy and I talked to them about the problem of orphaned baby chimps and gorillas. They told us that they had seen hunters with baby chimpanzees close to where they live, so we said that if they would ever see that again they should call us. And so they did…

On the morning of Saturday 12th May a hunter in Mayos took a baby chimpanzee back from the forest. He had killed the mother and wanted to sell the baby. Fortunately for the infant the American family heard about this and they were able to convince the hunters that it would be much better for the baby to be brought to a sanctuary. So they took the baby home and took care of it until they travelled to Douala. As soon as they were in reach of a telephone network they called us that they were on their way.

Sandy and I drove to Douala to meet them and there we found a very little, female chimpanzee. Sandy took her over and immediately the little infant seemed to be comfortable. It is quite clear that the family has done a good job taking care of her.

We are very happy that the American family decided to support Mayos financially. This will help us to pay for the food and the veterinary care, but it will not cover all the costs. Especially the quarantine period, when many tests and vaccinations need to be done is a very expensive period. The total costs of the first three months at the Limbe Wildlife Centre will probably be around $800. We would be very greatful if you would like to help us take care of Mayos by making a small donation.

Mayos is in good health, but so young! When we had a close look at her teeth, we estimated her age at four months. She is not very mobile yet, just sitting and observing the world around her. Her legs are not yet strong enough to stand up, but if she holds on to something she can move around a little bit. Sandy has built a tiny little climbing structure for her, but most of the time she prefers to sit on her lap. At the end of the day she goes home with Sandy and she sleeps through the night in a box, holding on to her toy gorilla that was given to her by the American family.

Simone de Vries

Assistant Project Manager

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